Ryan Zimmerman expects to return to the lineup Tuesday night in San Diego.

Ryan Zimmerman said his right shoulder felt "a lot better" this morning than it did yesterday and expressed complete confidence he'll be able to return to the Nationals' lineup Tuesday night in San Diego.

"Not that it was terrible the other day, but these next two days will be nice," he said shortly after today's game was postponed. "I really don't see any reason right now why I won't play on Tuesday."

Zimmerman was a late scratch yesterday with what the Nationals called "mild inflammation" in his right shoulder, an injury he believes was exacerbated by several diving plays he's made in the field in the last week.

There also was a headfirst leap into the plate during the eighth inning of Monday night's game against the Astros, a play Zimmerman jokingly referred to as a "fourth-and-goal pylon dive." While acknowledging that move "probably didn't help," he insisted he can't make a concertedRead more »

I still think that a precautionary MRI would be a good investment to protect our $100 million man. Oh well.An Anon in a previous post had an interesting theory about the evolution of Davey's A and B bullpens. Davey appears to continue to manage/manipulate the roster according to his game plan. I believe the recent unexpected HRod appearance moved him to the "A" team bullpen and Lidge now on the "B" team."A" Craig Stammen: long/middle relief, mop-up, situation.Tyler Clippard: setup / late innings.Henry Rodriguez: closer"B" Tom Gorzelanny: long/middle relief, mop-up, situation.Ryan Mattheus mop-up / late innings.Bard Lidge: closerSean Burnett: LOGY/situation "swing man"I think Gorzo (LH) and Stammen (RH) aren't really classified as A or B. Instead, they are lined up to pitch on a day that the starter is either RH (in the case of Gorzo) or LH (in the case of Stammen). That's one reason that having Det as a starter works out so well because we now have 3 righties and two lefties in the rotation. Davey also tends to bring them in when the batting order is lined up to allow them to pitch 2 innings at least, whether that's the 6th, 7th, or in the case of a tie game, the 9th. Each of them has victories in extra inning games for that reason. Davey really knows how to manage a bullpen, that's for sure. And he does it with a minimum of double switches, which is a welcome change from Riggleman.I also wouldn't be surprised to see MPH-Rod as the primary closer now. I read yesterday that Davey was already leaning toward him for situations in the 9th with lots of LH batters. After Lidge's blow up yesterday, he could turn to MPH-Rod in all save situations unless he has pitched two days in a row. Lidge just doesn't have the stuff to be a closer anymore. That's not hate, it's just a fact.

Watching Chiefs on MiLB.tv, Harper just hit a no-doubter. His first AAA homerun.Maya, not so much. A couple of good innings, then misplayed a bunt, gave up some hits, wild-pitch, walk, you get the idea.

Made some errors (again) … corrected."A" Craig Stammen: long/middle relief, mop-up, situation.Tyler Clippard: setup / late innings.Henry Rodriguez: closer"B" Tom Gorzelanny: long/middle relief, mop-up, situation.Ryan Mattheus: setup / late innings.Bard Lidge: closerSean Burnett: LOOGY/situation "swing man".At the beginning of the season Davey, Rizzo and of all people, JimBo talked extensively about how Davey builds a bullpen. Both Bowden and Rizzo were almost in awe at what they learned about this from Johnson.Johnson keeps saying he has an "A" team and a "B" team. The problem with how the bullpen was managed in the past was that pitchers became abuses when you went to a Clippard and Storen almost every game. That leads to:1. Visits to the DL (Storen, and I wonder if Clippard isn't far behind) 2. Pitchers who aren't used become "rusty" through lack of use. When they are called upon they are ineffective.Even with Storen in the fold I think Davey was still planning on having 2 closers: H-Rod and Storen, two setup men: Lidge/Mattheus and Clippard. And two long/middle relief : Stammen and Gorzelanny. Burnett is the swing man and he has now replaced Slaten as the LOOGY. Johnson has also stated that he plans on reducing the bullpen by one eventually. 2 closers, 2 setup, 2 long/middle. That's six. All need to be used regularly to keep them sharp.That's my understanding of Johnson's bullpen game plan.

This Hassan Pena who has been mentioned as the next HROD–getting plastered, and apparently the same his previous outing. Four straight hits, three runs. Guess it could happen to anyone. Check out Clippard's minor league stats Nats Lady. He got thrashed regularly and with gusto. Just last year the same thing was happening to HRod now wasn't it? Learning/developing is done in the minor leagues Nats Lady. And even to a lesser extent in the majors. Progress not perfection.Baseball ignorance continues to permeate this blog.

Section 222 — I tend to agree with you. I suspect that Davey believes Lidge can get his closer stuff straightened out, and the best way to get there is to continue to express faith in his alternating closer routine. Having said that, it's still too bad that Davey framed it as alternating closers when Storen had the surgery. Lidge was signed as a set-up man and it wouldn't have messed with his head to be a little more contingent about the closer mix, e.g., some combination of HRod, Lidge, and Burnett, which would have given Davey more flexibility depending on how each of them performed in the role. As it is, Burnett has 8Ks and 0 BBs this year, and would have given a nice righty-lefty closer option depending on the opponents' late lineup and bench. Still, I'd hope that with his teammates having had to bail Lidge out of 2 two-run blown saves in his last 3 appearances in this homestand (and the third was teetering on the edge), Lidge would be on a short leash. It would also be good for Davey to make some noises like, while he respects the BP pitchers appreciation of predictability and he wants to get there over the course of the season, that the team might best adapt to Storen's absence by being a little more flexible in the period while we're waiting for Druuuuuuuuu to get back. Since Burnett found his more comfortable place at the end of the rubber last August, he's been consistently quite good — and could create some good uncertainty in opposing managers' minds about how to manage their lineups towards the ninth inning.

I can't tell one anon from another. All I meant was that people who are crowning Hassan Pena as the next MPHRod might want to slow down a bit, he doesn't look ready for the majors. Sheesh.Chiefs first game is over, someone else can report on the second one, I'm heading for the gym. Congrats to Harper on his first AAA homerun/

Natslad – better to just ignore an anon with no manners. You are way above that. Your insight is always appreciated. Thanks for the Chiefs report. Glad Bryce got his first dinger, hope he gets hot now and we see him in DC in June.

Only one anon raves about Hassan Pena and it's the same one who claims that all the Nats minor league guys are on the verge of stardom. And Tyler Clippard was a starter when amassing those atrocious numbers. His transformation to a reliever was when tbey realized his "stuff" wasn't sustainable as a starter.Cory Brown is the only "prospect" at Syracuse whose developement has advanced to the promotable level. Tyler Moore is a full season away, but the hole in his swing is getting smaller and a further delay in Michael Morse's recovery could necessitate a quicker call up than September.All the other organizational guys like Teahan, Carroll, Maldanaldo, and Michaels are all injury insurance.While there is relief help for the bull pen with Perry and Martin, there is no closer help that is anywhere near ready for a ML assignment.

Natslady – just saw that. It kind of validates that the stros are not as bad as people think they are. They have some young, hungry players who are taking advantage of an opportunity. And it's only the second inning.

Anon 1:56, Twice I've heard Davey say that it would be wrong to conclude that the "A" and "B" thing signifies one group as being better then the other. He said that it would probably be better to call them the "green" and "blue" bullpens. It's more a matter of grouping them together to stick to his plan. You are really over analyzing it.Anon 2:00, do your mama proud and grow up.

Thanks, NJ. I'm dawdling because it's really nasty out… All set for the gym but can't seem to make myself go.Yes, it's kind of amazing what happened with Clip, and maybe Stammen will follow that route.I read somewhere that you need to be suspicious if a guy profiles as a short/middle-reliever in the minors. Of course, with modern specialization, someone like Drew started out with that specialty. But aren't the vast majority of "power" relievers converted starters?

Well, I don't think Anon@1:56 was grading the "A" and "B" bullpens, or if he did, I missed it. I do think Davey might be a little more flexible than a "fixed" structure of who is in which bullpen. He will re-assess based on who's fresh or tired from previous games. But I wouldn't be surprised if he starts a series with a bullpen plan, just like you have a rotation, and he makes the guys aware of it so they can study videos and chart pitches accordingly. Given the two-day break, he can start off with a bullpen plan that matches the rotation (and the opponents' rotations) but that plan only lasts until it's disrupted by real life.What I think is the difference between Davey's bullpen structure and that of say, Atlanta, is that he doubles each role. He can do that because there are–seriously–no clunkers in the bullpen that have to be used only in mop-up situations.

Re: criticism of Manual/Cliff Lee and the 10th inning (which is when he strained his oblique). I haven't heard any. There was plenty of discussion of Verlander going 130 pitches in his win last week, and how tough Verlander is, and he won his next start. Lee is not a rookie, and he probably wanted to to go out there. His pitch count was not high (102) for all 10 innings. I feel bad for the guy but he could have strained his oblique in any innning.However, it has been remarked that Phillies hard-times will show that Charlie Manual is not a great manager…

(Got new-posted…)Off the subject, but can anyone explain why my android phone seems to think NI is on west coast time? It has the right time everywhere else, including on the home screen, but it's deducting three hours off the time of all the posts here. And when I get onto NI on my home PC, the times are just fine. Strange weirdness…

Well, I don't think Anon@1:56 was grading the "A" and "B" bullpens, or if he did, I missed it.You missed it. You appear to miss a lot?He's alternating closers, setup and middle/long relief. If he needs another pitcher he'll go to Burnett as he did yesterday. After that then he decides who is rested enough … typically I suspect he would pick Stammen as Johnson has said he is the least likely to be affected by frequent use.

NatsLady, I agree that will constantly re-assess and be flexible,as circumstances dictate. Re:Atlanta, one has to wonder how long Venters and Kimbrel can keep up the pace. As to whether 1:56 was grading; if she/he wasn't, then I misunderstood, and if that's the case then I apologize. My point was to quote Johnson's statements that neither group was rated above the other.

My point was to quote Johnson's statements that neither group was rated above the other.And my post wasn't intended to "grade" either. Clearly Davey is going to use all of his bullpen regularly come hell or high water. That he made clear (in case NatsLady missed it) over and over again at the beginning of spring training. Johnson has two bullpens that he alternates. That seems clear even to the less than attentive fan. And based on his comments he was planning on doing this even with Storen. Perhaps the frequency might be different. Alternating 1 out of 3? That way he could get the right match ups depending on the series they are playing.

Anon@3:51, I looked again, and I still don't see anywhere in Anon@1:56's post that he says "A" is better than "B" or that he/she thought Davey said so. But with the second part of your post I am in agreement. Davey starts with a plan to alternate setup/closers and then goes from there bases on lefty/righty matchups, who's rested, game situation, etc.The only (mild) disagreement I had with Anon@1:56's analysis is that what he/she laid out is a starting point for the "dual bullpens" but not necessarily a fixed and final lineup on a given day. On the other hand, Davey seems to be very set on sticking with the rotation order and not bumping people around. Joe–I agree with you. Davey's been clear on not rating the two bullpens.Candide- I have the same when I use my Android tablet. Then I have to do arithmetic in my poor aching head.

It just seems that Peric can't stand anyone to question his statements and then has to answer by calling them ignorant instead of just disagreeing.This is his rapier at its finest.Hang in Natslady, you are entitled and in reality you were not voicing an opinion but merely relating what was happening in AAA, which I appreciated.Natjack nailed it before I could respond and yes, Clip was indeed a starter for the Yankees when in the minors so I am not sure how that relates to Peric's latest minor league crush. I for one hope he is lights out but wouldn't know him if he sat next to me on metro. My minor league crushes are C. Brown and R. Martin. One is playing pretty well right now and the other got off to a rough start but has reversed that the last few outings. I think Brown has a future here but with our solid bullpen I am not sure how far Martin can advance.

Dodgers now losing to the Stros, 0-10. I'd say they were going to lose, but, y'know, it's baseball and no lead is safe. Must go to the gym because I might weigh more than Altuve who robbed Matt Kemp of oh, wait for it– a foul ball! (Still, it was a cool catch and Kemp was out).

Reposting from the previous thread:Candide, it's a browser-Blogger issue. I get the same thing on my droid, but only from certain browsers, specifically Boat, and Galapagos, and probably others. I get the "REPLY" function for comments, too.Switch your browser to show the Web page version, instead of the mobile version, if it bothers you.

Hang in Natslady, you are entitled and in reality you were not voicing an opinion but merely relating what was happening in AAA, which I appreciated.She post an awful lot … more than anyone other than sec3 … and yes she was voicing an opinion sjm308 implying that Hassan Pena wasn't all that he was touted as … she is opinionated period. I'm not sure why you defend her when she is attempting to provoke a diatribe in many of her prolific posts?In any case "man crush"? No, I am going by what Rizzo said … and he mentioned Hassan Pena as one of his close to 100 mph power pitcher relievers. This is Pena's first year in AAA. He advanced from AA where he pitched last year. He is an older prospect so time isn't on his side. This is the year where he must prove he is major league ready. But he's not going to immediately pitch lights-out like Strasburg … there are very few if any pitchers who are like Strasburg.

My favorite is Brown. But he comes with Tyler Moore both have become fast and very good friends. I'd like to see the two of them come up together. After that its probably Rosenbaum, Kobernus and yes I still think there's some hope for Trevor Holder who is a bull dog (his school's mascot ) who pitched in 2 college world series.

Anon, I do remember. I am a big Henry-supporter and always was, when people were trashing him endlessly. It's too bad Henry had to learn "on the job" so to speak because when we traded for him he had no options and everyone thought Rizzo was a fool for giving up the Hammer to get a flame-throwing reliever who just about led the league in wild-pitches and walked 8 guys every other Monday, and couldn't go out for more than one inning.I hope those days of trashing Rizzo and Henry are behind us but I fear they are not.P.S. I'm totally confused as to what your point is.

NatsLady said…This Hassan Pena who has been mentioned as the next HROD–getting plastered, and apparently the same his previous outing. Four straight hits, three runs. Guess it could happen to anyone. Let your own words be an explanation. Hassan Pena is a similar pitcher to HRod, a Cuban power pitcher. He is right behind Storen, Henry, and Mattheus on the depth chart. Hopefully, it isn't Cory Van Allen who had a good year last year and is left-handed … I expect he is in a slot behind Burnett and Gorzelanny.

All I meant was that people who are crowning Hassan Pena as the next MPHRod might want to slow down a bit, he doesn't look ready for the majors.And neither was HRod just last year. Remember? Sheesh! Yes — but HRod was 24 last year. Pena is now 27. Not a trivial difference.And if you think NatsLady was trying to provoke anything, you might want to look in a mirror.To NatsLady — fwiw — I enjoy your updates from other games.

Sec3, it happens to me with both the stock browser and Dolphin. And when I go to the full web site, the time gets fixed but "Reply" disappears.I guess as long as it seems to be a droid issue (or Mark messing with our heads, though he claims he's not that technologically adept), I'm not gonna worry about it. Thanks!

And yes, sometimes when there isn't much activity on the blog and Mark is having a well-deserved day off, I reach around the InterWebs and make a post that might stimulate discussion. Glad to be of service!

And yes, sometimes when there isn't much activity on the blog and Mark is having a well-deserved day off,Even when he's not you and sec 3 post an awful lot. Makes it hard for other voices to be heard IMO.

NatsLady thanks for the update on harper. And if you are provoking discussion then good because a day without baseball can get really dreary. And if other voices want to be heard then all they have to do is post.

peric, how come when you want to crow about how smart you are, like when Lannan got designated, you signed your posts with – peric?And when you just want to be a jerk, you don't sign them.Rant all you want about baseball ignorance, but all of your baseball smarts are clouded and lost by your demeanor.Pick a fake name and stick with it, like most of us do. Or stay anonymous and stick with it. But this waffling between using your name when you want to boost your ego and then defending your right to not use a name the rest of the time is just plain juvenile.

I watched the video of Harper's first HR in the minors. He is playing in a god-awful cow pasture ( is that the field at Syracuse?), in front of no people, in what sounds like gale force winds. This is exactly the kind of dues Rizzo wants him to pay. Hit some more, Bryce, and learn as much as you can really fast and then you can come play at the nice, shiny new ballpark where they hit white balls for batting practice. Maybe he is starting to heat up?

NatsLady said… Oh, sorry. NOW I see the problem: I post "too much" and have opinions. Well, that ain't going to change…! April 22, 2012 3:54 PM____________________________Never seen a problem of you posting too much. Its the people that post the heck out of the same subject and won't let it go especially when it has a negative taint like the constant Desi hatred by a few on here who have turned on LaRoche, Lannan, and anyone else who is their "du jour" target. Maybe since they can't pick on them they have turned on a star member like NatsLady!

All that stuff aside, please keep in mind that while this may be a nice diversion on an off day for us, for Mark, it's his livelihood, it's how he puts food on the table. How much I or anyone else posts, or how we sign them, is trivial, but the man's job is not. I don't care what you think of me, but respect that, please.

How is Welke's reputation as an ump? Just curious because–Detroit just got shafted, squeeze play scored a run but replay shows the ball went off the hitter's knee and should have been a dead ball. Leland in danger of getting ejected but hasn't been so far.

Thanks, Sunderland. We've missed your voice and insights here, especially in these interesting days.And Nats Lady, we don't always agree but you're always civil and as interesting as any here. Post away! If anyone doesn't like it, that's what scroll buttons are for — and at least you make yourself accountable for your views by putting a consistent name on your posts. As for Mr. Rapier — reminds me of the immortal Church Lady line, "We like ourselves, don't we?" Suffice it to say that this (http://www.natsinsider.com/2012/04/game-10-reds-at-nats.html?showComment=1334526141559#c4867201895593552170) is an example of what he thinks a rapier and civility looks like.OK, peric or whoever you are, show us your classy "rapier".

Wandy Rodriquez shut-out the Dodgers in Houston on 3 hits. One of the best pitching performances of the season. Wandy is in the top 5 in ERA in the NL now.He was another when discussing adding another starter that was laughed at by quite a few here.

I do find Natslady posts annoying at times, but the reply from earlier today was over the top..and I HAVE TO ADMIT her news on Harper was welcome and surprising..she's sitting around watching minor league games? that's impressive..or sad…or something..good time for a nats road trip..weather this week doesn't look so good

I happened to be reading a Phillies blog (can you say "schadenfreude"?) this a.m. and did see that very criticism. :-)whatsanattau said… BTW, did I miss the criticsm of Charlie Manual running Cliff Lee out for the tenth inning? May that arm rest in peace. April 22, 2012 3:04 PM

Detroit lost it but only by inches. Fielder pumped one deep, deep into the RF corner. Wandy K'd a bunch too, didn't he, NJ? I remember the discussion about him and Buehrle, and then we got Nat-Gio and all that became moot.

wassup with some posts on this blog lately?anyways, just watched Rangers vs Tigers game's last inning. Leyland was pissed at ump for messing up a call that was the difference in a 3-2 Texas win. NatsJack was right. Umpires have been awful about all decisions, not just strike zone.

Candide and DC Wonk, that makes me think Blogger needs to pay more attention to its mobile site. Not much Mark can do, unfortunately. Even if he did have time to mess with it, while covering the team, raising a baby, and cleaning up the litter in here.

I will take Gio over Wandy just for his smile alone. I am a total sucker for his smile. Happy that the Astros are putting up a fight because as we know watching a bad team stinks. I am sure that at the trade deadline Wandy will bring some prospects from an AL team.

I dare say pretty much everybody has annoyed somebody in here, at some point; if 1a is getting complaints, nobody is safe. It's the response that gets things out of hand. Daddy always said, it's the second punch that starts the fight.

i was weaned on yoo hoo…san diego is the worst team in the national league…need to take 2 of 3 because the schedule is about to get very tough..la, az, and phil…if they go 5 and 4 or better through those 9 games and stay healthy that will be nearly 20% of the season, with a legit schedule, and in first place…after the last 5 years or so that would be very cool..

Sunderland said… Gonat – We would have first had to cough up enoough talent to acquire Wandy. That's the "too expensive" part. Then it's $26M for two years of service. April 22, 2012 5:03 PM __________________________They were looking to dump his salary. They may have taken Cutter Dykstra w/ Jamie Lynn Siglar.

Section 3, My PFB Sofa said… The Mets get a -4% April 22, 2012 5:56 PM _______________________________That would be a new twist on how bad everyone thought the Mets would be…only to find that they aren't that bad.

Actually, I believe I read that the Astro's had asked for Detwiler. (or was that for Bourn) Either way, if the Astro's were really willing to give up Wandy for a bucket of balls, they would have the bucket and not Wandy.

Rodriquez not only makes 8 figures this year and next, but there's a huge player option that vests if he's traded, for 2014, for a guy who may still be pretty good now, but is on the right-hand side of the hill for his career, probably.

Take a look at Mark's left column links to videos of Bryce's dinger. A couple of especially noteworthy things –1. There look to be about six people in attendance (counting the two-thirds of the stadium you can't see in the video), presumably because it was a high of about 45 degrees and they're expecting inches of snow tonight (!!!). Not that unusual for the time of year, but…2. Even more impressive for his rocket to plow through all that cold air on the way into the cow pasture beyond the fence.

whatsanattau said… Actually, I believe I read that the Astro's had asked for Detwiler. (or was that for Bourn) Either way, if the Astro's were really willing to give up Wandy for a bucket of balls, they would have the bucket and not Wandy. April 22, 2012 6:06 PM ____________________________Most don't want to pay the price tag for a #3 pitcher which made the money spent on Edwin Jackson a curious signing.

Yeah, that was an ugly T/O by Backstrom to lose it. Still, they were 1-1 in OT before that. I was noticing again during that third period how much I enjoy that feeling of tension in the gut. If you don't care, you don't get that.

MiLB news from Bill Ladson (by way of MLB Trade Rumors):The Nationals have signed infielder Jim Negrych to a minor league contract, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson (Twitter link). The 27-year-old has appeared primarily at second and third base in the minors, but didn't reach Triple-A until he was 25 years old in 2010. A sixth round pick by Pittsburgh in 2006, Negrych is a career .302/.377/.402 hitter in six minor league seasons.

I am not annoyed by anyone posting "too much." I enjoy Natslady's posts because of her enthusiam for, and knowledge of, the game. As for peric, he (I doubt a she would be so antagonistic and arrogant) clearly has some good baseball knowledge, but cannot abide the idea he may be wrong about anything, and immediately takes up his rapier to defend his opinion when a polite discussion and presentation of facts would be the proper route. As for his rapier, he would do well to wield it appropriately. On most occasions, he holds it by the blade near the point, and with the handle and guard, bludgeons perceived "opponents" – anyone with a differing opinion in an arena defined not by black and white, but by gray areas. In the process, he bloodies his own hand, and scores not a single point.I have always preferred a Sabre or better yet, a Katana, since every single strike from either blade can be the final blow. The rapier is good for shallow cuts only, and is a bit too lady-like for my tastes.

AZ wins, 6-4 over ATL. Putz gave up a HR in the 9th and almost beaned the next guy. Don't think it was deliberate, Putz looked a little worried there. But he gets Heyward to pop out, and we are still up 2 full games in the NL East.

I don't find the Jackson signing curious at all. They had the money, they did not have to give up minor leaguers. They did not have to commit to multiple years. They have the right to trade him after May. He's a good pitcher – better than Lannan. He was healthy. And he was available. And, he was better than their then-current number five starter John Lannan. What's so hard to comprehend?

Don't know about a corresponding move, sec3. I was thinking the same about the Phillies series. Please please please. I'll be oh so very good and won't ever say any bad words while watching the games on tv until then. Well, unless it's really warranted.

Swami said:I don't mind a lot of posting – those conversations are usually informative and fun. It's the name-calling that takes me back to kindergarten…—————————–Exactly! Post as often as you like…anyone. I can scroll through what I don't want or don't have time for, on that day. Express your opinion as strongly as you like-bring it strong…. But the name calling… This is not evidence of a rapier wit; quite the opposite is true. If you don't feel your opinion has been effectively stated without belittling someone, what you're wielding is more akin to a dull railroad spike, and clumsily, at that….

I learn so much on this site. I was pretty sure about the definition of sycophant meant but took the time to look it up.Also liked the various responses to peric.More excited that Atl & Philly lost. We won't win every series but neither will they.

Completely off topic here, but a question for the season ticket holders. Do you get the opportunity to buy seats to other events at Nationals Park? There is this guy named Springsteen coming in September………….

Wow! I'm really starting to believe that there's been a train wreck in Phillyland! During the off season I ( facetiously) predicted that our last series of the year against them would be meaningless because we would already have our playoff spot locked up and they would be out of it. My logic was Father Time. Well, hickory dickory dock, the mouse ran up the clock. Jim Thome has been little better then Matt Stairs was for us.Utley may be done. Who knows about Howard? Polanco is anemic, Mayberry is disappointing. Cliff Lee and Roy Halliday are still capable of throwing a great game on any given day but even they are getting chinks in the armor. The dogfight in the east will be with us and the Braves.

Phillies are 5 games behind the Nats. Have to like that!Here's the cool part, if both teams go the next 16 games at the same pace, the Nats would lead them by 10 games. That's where the Philthies fans will jump into the Delaware River!

Like they say, it's a marathon not a sprint. But youth is strong, and the Nats have lots of youth and strength.I believe in this team, and the wisdom — and Davey's wisdom about people borne of experience and suffering — to lead it.

MicheleS, Beachy is pitching great, their back of the bullpen is stealth and Heyward and Freeman are mashing.The Nats overall pitching is better, the Braves offense is better.The Nats will get much better when they get back Morse and Storen, the Braves will get better when they get back Hudson.

Michelle s:NatsJack, can i be the official cookie baker of the N.I.S.S? I think Sunshine can be our bartender. He is really good with the bourbon and Maalox.I'll be designated driver if nobody pukes in my car

Yes, it's been a long dreary day, no Henry to terrorize us (and the Fish), no Desi leaps or Ankiel throws or Gio smiles…But at least once an hour I find myself on MLB.com looking at our two nemeses (that's the plural of 'nemesis' if you have to look it up)– our two nemeses in 4th and 5th place. Yep, and that curly W at the top. There it is.

Laddie, love that clip, thanks. Announcer starts off by saying "It's a miserable day in Syracuse for baseball, so let's play two." Rochester (next series) can't be much warmer, so Brycie-boy (and Corey-boy) consider it motivation!

Steady Eddie said…Like they say, it's a marathon not a sprint. But youth is strong, and the Nats have lots of youth and strength.Unfortunately, there's a wise old adage that says that old age and treachery beat youth and enthusiasm every time.

So, I followed advice and went over to the Phillies' site and found this quote from their manager:"I took my time and walked around the locker room. I didn't feel like it's time to say anything, yet. [Monday] might be the day. I don't know," Manuel said with a smile. "We've got guys out there who definitely want to play and they're trying to play hard. Maybe we just need to get back [to] square one and relax and totally enjoy playing, like we can."Now, contrast that with Davey's quote: "We are not where we need to be. I see improvement every day in players but we have a ways to go."To me, that is the attitude of a winner, especially in April–not satisfied, not playing "for enjoyment" but looking for improvement.Go NATS!

I watched Bryce's HR earlier today and commented on the terrible conditions and lack of humanity in the stands. So he is at the start of his career, paying dues, etc.etc. And then it occurred to me – that's where John Lannan is pitching, too – after years in the majors, being the opening day starter – the whole nine yards. I don't care how many zeroes are on his paychecks, this has to be terrible for him. I really hope something good happens to him soon.He was our guy when we really didn't have much.

Gio just tweeted that the team has landed in SanDiego. I forgot that they have the day off tomorrow – this is a long time without baseball. I hope Zim is resting his shoulder. Shouldn't be any concerns with the pitchers being fresh!

I'll accept an honorary membership in the N.I.S.S., not because I really ought to be a member, but because I think I introduced the term "syncophant" to this discussion. You're welcome. :-)I've been watching MLB Network's plays of the week. Zim has four in the top 50, including No. 3 (the diving stop against Ludwick, where Ludwick was so sure he had a hit that he was rounding the bag.) One of the other third basemen who has appeared more than once is none other than JHJr, who had the No. 1 play of the week (yes, it was a pretty darn good play, throwing from his knees after a diving stop in foul territory.) It would be interesting to hear if Lannan is bankrolling the postgame buffet in Syracuse. I recall reading that guys who are on rehab assignments often are generous with their temporary teams, but I haven't heard that that's the case with high paid players who are demoted. That expectation would seem to be kind of harsh.

Just got back from the espn site and looking at pitching stats. I could not get into relief pitching but for starters, we are all over the top 20 with all five of our guys. Only team to have 5 in top 20 of era, whip and lots of other stats as well. We still also have the best team era. Still kind of hard to believe but this looks like something that will stand up.I also feel for Lannen but the reality is, he will probably not throw another pitch for the Nationals. I wish him well and have to believe that Rizzo will move him when other teams have a bigger need. It will never happen but Bernadina, Lannen and one other prospect for Adam Jones.

Posted this (I thought!) under this topic, I guess not Anyway, here it is:A few random thoughts on a rainy Sunday night :-)-I like the fact that most of the national media attention that was showered upon Strasburg in 2010 has dissipated.Now, he's just another ace. That's fine with me.-Even though it may seem like it so far, the Nats haven't been winning on good luck alone. A run differential of +13 is much more than just luck.-I think Henry should get the save situations with leads of 1 or 2 runs. Mattheus and/or Stammen should get the 3-run lead save opps.-I believe Lidge should be shifted to low leverage situations to get his confidence back.-I also believe that Davey should let Jackson pitch more than 5 innings when he struggles early but recovers. He seems to have a rubber arm, why not use it?-I love these Nats. Very good team!

Oh yeah, it was about the whole Anon thing.A few of them are good and have some insight to offer. And of course some of them are bad, and not worth responding to.It also seems some "Anon vs. Regular" arguments that start are based on miscommunication.I really beg the Anons to just pick a name so we have some idea who we are talking to. It's no big deal, but would likely help avoid some of the arguments.

I remember like it was yesterday when the Nationals were 50-31 in 2005 and traded for Preston Wilson to bolster their playoff run.It's been difficult times since. That's why this 2012 start is so fun to watch, especially for a guy who remembers the Senators II and those hard times as well.I've lived in Idaho the last 25 years (though if you watched Beltway Baseball Chase thought I was from Ohio)and will be coming back to DC this May to cover our delegation for my newspaper and *finally* take in a Nationals game. Though I'm looking forward to getting my credentials and talk to all the Senators and Congressman, I CAN'T WAIT get my Nats credentials and meet some of these guys face-to-face for the first time. Every game I've watched has been on a fuzzy mlb.com connection. I probably won't even recognize the stadium in person.The traffic should be fun. There are five times more people around the Beltway than there is in Idaho, about the same size as England. So if you see some freaked-out looking middle-aged guy with white knuckles on the steering wheel going 50 mph, wave. Cause it will probably be me.Let me know if any of you will be at the stadium when I'm there, I think the second-ish Week of May against the Padres and Pirates. I think I've commented here often enough that a handshake should be warranted.Look forward to coming home again. This J.E.B. Stuart Raider can't wait!Farid

Oh, and for the fellow old dudes, I did a 20-story "history of baseball" in Pocatello. I got a chance to talk to Tommy Lasorda (he started his managerial career here), Duke Sims (from here) and Rich Reichardt (who played here one season). For you guys who really remember, Reichardt was on deck when Alvin Dark on the Indians came out to the mound and moved Sam McDowell to second and brought in Dean Chance to face Hondo (Frank killed McDowell). Frank struck out and Reichardt hitter a grounder to third where Eddie Leon threw to McDowell at second for the out. Two months later, same teams, same thing, except this time Dark moved Sam to first. He again brings in Chance, struck out Hondo but Reichardt hit a two run single. I dont think that ever happened again.Ah, the old days!

Reagarding the "Plays of the Week" show – Zim is just dominating that show and Desi has made a few appearances as well. Jerry Hairston, Jr. has Zim to thank for his appearances – some of the plays he has made look like textbook Zim – who JHJ watched a lot. He also got lots of playing time there when Zim was out.Looks like he made have found a home. He was respectable in his temp duties here.

Good thing they're winning or it could have gotten really ugly in here. Wait… :-)Sunderland said… Saturday's game ended at about 4PM? No game Sunday. No game Monday. Tuesday's game doe snot start until 10PM. So we're going 78 hours without Nats action? April 22, 2012 9:24 PM